Exploring Medical Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Artificial Intelligence: A Study at the University of Zambia

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted various fields, including healthcare. As AI integration in medicine expands, medical professionals must develop a comprehensive understanding of its applications. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI among medical students at the University of Zambia. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 335 medical students at the University of Zambia from August to September 2024. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The findings revealed that 94.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, 77.0% exhibited positive attitudes, and 93.7% reported good practices regarding AI. However, 82.1% had never heard of AI before the study, and 73.4% were unaware of its applications in medicine. More than half of the participants (54.6%) recognized AI as essential in the medical field, while 48.7% supported its inclusion in the medical curriculum. Additionally, 90.1% had used AI in various domains, and 93.1% found it beneficial in simplifying tasks. Conclusion: Most medical students demonstrated strong knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding AI. However, gaps in understanding its medical applications underscore the need to integrate AI education into medical curricula. Enhancing AI awareness and training among future healthcare professionals is crucial for improving adoption and utilization in clinical practice.

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